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The best turkey burgers in Toronto won't leave you wondering where's the beef? These burgers are thick, juicy, and just happen to be a lean alternative red meat. In most cases a haphazard application of ketchup and mustard just won't do - these burgers deserve thoughtful adornments like guacamole, onion rings, tandoori spices and mango chutney.

Bannock

The free-run turkey burger ($17) at this O&B restaurant located at base of The Hudson Bay’s flagship store is a real winner. Find this burger loaded with a tempura-fried onion ring, avocado and tangy dill pickle mayo.

2

Woody's Burgers

The ground turkey burgers ($7.05) at this Etobicoke burger joint taste so good thanks to the wood burning grilling. Have it dressed to order, or as the recommended Smokey Turkey ($8.85) topped with smoked bacon and smoked gouda, lettuce, salsa, BBQ sauce and smoked ketchup.

3

W Burger Bar

Turkey ($8.99) is just one of eight different patty options that can be loaded with all the fixin’s at two Toronto locations of this upmarket burger bar. The range of complimentary toppings includes everything from chipotle ketchup and garlic herb mayonnaise to cranberries and alfalfa sprouts.

4

Thompson Diner

Gobble up the turkey burger ($13.45) at this 24-hour hotel diner where the seven ounce fresh ground turkey patty is served on a fresh house-baked bun and classically dressed with crisp lettuce, tomato slices and onions.

5

Burger Cellar

This burger specialist at Yonge and Lawrence offers a quality turkey burger ($12) as part of its extensive burger menu. Foregoing the usual ketchup and mustard, this turkey burger comes thoughtfully topped with gruyere, tomato avocado salsa and watercress.

6

The Works (Church and Wellington)

Turkey is one of seven types of patties available from this chain of burger restaurants. Start with the turkey patty, then choose from over four dozen creative combinations of toppings including the Teriyaki Melt ($14.57) with sauteed mushrooms and havarti, or the Kamikaze ($14.39) with three types of hot peppers, hot sauce and cheddar.

7

Hunters Landing

The neighbourhood local in CityPlace is home to a thick juicy poultry patty on a bun. Here the turkey burger ($15) is well seasoned then dressed with tangy cider slaw and a spicy aioli for extra kick.

Hole-E Burger

What makes the burgers unique at this joint on Coxwell is that patties are formed with a hole in the middle - which is all the better to stuff spicy havarti inside. Build your own turkey burger ($8.99) with a standard selection of condiments or opt for add-ons (+$1.99 each) like the aforementioned cheese, plus caramelized onions, or mushrooms.

10

Wish

This casual restaurant near Yonge and Bloor serves a turkey burger with fries ($17) for lunch and dinner. Served on a soft, fresh bun, this thick, juicy turkey patty is adorned with sliced tomato, peppery radicchio, salsa verde and grana padano cheese.